Northwest Books

I liked it. I learned a lot

Links landscape, aquatic, terrestrial, social, & economic characterizations to describe biophysical & social systems. Integration was achieved through a framework built around 6 goals of ecosystem mgmt. & 3 views of the future. Different approaches to mgmt. can alter the risks to the assets of people living in the Basin & to the ecosystem itself. Continuation of current mgmt. leads to increasing risks while mgmt. approaches focusing on reserves or restoration result in trends that mostly stabilize or reduce risks. But population increases & the pressures of expanding demands on resources may cause increasing trends in risk. Illustrated

I felt as if I held a whole world, its culture, and its art in my hand. The text was fascinating. The photographs and illustrations are incredibly beautiful. The book itself is a handsome piece of work.

To me, as an old (81) feminist, it was a celebration.

Those interested should read books by or about James Houston, who did so much to bring Inuit art to the outside world.

Don't be misled into thinking this is a coffee-table book because it has so many stunning photographs! This is one of the most illuminating voyages into the spiritual landscape of the Inuit that I have ever come across. Through his friendships with Inuit elders born before their people had any sustained contact with Europeans, Mr. Hallendy obtained information about the uses and meanings of inuksuit rarely if ever shared with whites and nearly forgotten even by the elders of today. His extraordinary and inevitably personal interpretation of the words and phrases they used to "explain" these monuments evoke reflection on some of the larger and more universal aspects of religion and art--because another thing evident in this book is that these megaliths are an as yet under-appreciated form of three-dimensional Inuit art. They are sculpture at its most powerful, and Mr. Hallendy's photographs not only provide us with a chance to see these virtually inaccessible masterpieces, but fully capture the spiritual power emanating from them.

I loved the pictures in this book and the wonderful stories that go with them. I especially loved learning more about Helmi Juvonen. It is wonderful to see an artist of her calibre receiving this kind of recognition and to see such an excellent overview of Northwestern art. Wes Wehr's drawings, particuarly the Aztec High Priestess with the sparkplugs in her headress, are quintessential examples of his droll part-kachina, part-insect, part-outer-space "Little Monsters". I highly recommend this volume to anyone interested in experiencing the unique qualities of Northwestern art.

This short but engaging book chronicles the trials and joys of moving your family to the wilderness. Written in an autobiographical, journalistic style this book is full of insights and practical info on the difficult but wonderful journey of the first 6 years of Joy Orth's relocation from civilization to a remote Alaskan Island.

I was left wondering what has happened in the 20 years since the book was published, alas I have not been able to find a sequel. If anyone knows Joy and family, I would love to see a 20 years later sequel.

Do You Know Where the Pribilofs Are?

If you don't, then you should! The Pribilof Islands are two small isles in the Bearing Sea. They are known as the Islands of the Seals because of the large population of seals which congregate there. Many parts of the Island are wildlife sanctuaries for seals. But a modern Western/Aleut community thrives (relatively speaking) in these Islands roughly halway between Alaska and Russia.

For years these islands were used as dumping areas for furtive captains who would abandon oil barrels- mostly empty- and other industrial container garbage when nobody was looking. Fortunately recent years have seen far more stringent monitoring of the environment and the beginnings of very effective clean-up efforts.

But while the Pribilofs have their masses of seals and has a grim history of this ugly pollution, it is entering the 21st century as a cleaner, more cherished area with a robust local community who pride themselves on their special islands and their clean-up efforts. And these islands are very special indeed...

In this unique Alaska Geographic release one can see many pictures and read about the beautiful coastal boroughs and abundant sea life of the Pribilofs. While most people get on a plane and fly off to some impossible to spell foreign region for adventure travel, the Aleutian Islands and the Pribilofs continue to exist mostly off the beaten path, and are some of the most exotic, diverse, and richly rewarding islands imaginable, right here in the USA. It's just a matter of perspective and where you look.

This book is usually available through Amazon, but may take a few weeks to ship. If you like seals or unusual coastal areas, take a look!

And for those of you who surf... here's another zone with some potential. If you look at the excellent maps of the islands you'll find in this book, you will see a great deal of potential for decent conditions on any swell, tide, and wind. If its onshore on one side of the island, a few minutes later you can find yourself in offshore conditions on the other side. Road access and lodging looks to be quite available! There is a picture or two of possible surf zones! But this is rugged territory dominated by the seals! Just look at the cover- did you think that man invented surfing... Ha! (*The cover pictures a number of seals frolicking about in a glassy green left-hander!)

The Itchy Little Musk Ox is a softcover children's picturebook about an unhappy young musk ox. He has an itch he can't scratch from his own soft wool, and his downward-pointing horns won't reach it. When he finds the right tree to scratch his itch, he becomes separated from the herd! On his long journey to rejoin them he discovers all the good things about being a musk ox - his horns and hard head are good for headbutting a hungry wolf, and his soft wool is prized by a gentle human. A two-page summary of fascinating facts about musk oxen closes this delightful adventure, illustrated in full color, recommended for readers age 3 and up.

If you live in the Northwest of the USA and you like to garden, this is a must-have for your book collection. Beautiful pictures, incredible ideas, and lots of flowers that will actually grow!

Lovers of the African Kora, the 21-string traditional African harp, will enjoy the gentle sounds of this CD. This is mostly string music (kora, nyanyer, electric kora) supplemented by the balafon and drums of the area.

The music originates in West Africa - in the countries of Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, The Gambia, Mali, and showcases the Griots (or Jalis) of West Africa. Because it is the place where many of America's slaves come from, West African culture has strongly impacted life in the USA.

For 800 years - since the beginning of the great Malian empire - Griots have preserved their region's history and lore, passing them down orally through arduous apprenticeships, providing cultural cohesion that endured both colonialisation and its aftermath.

The names of the musicians on the album read like a who's who of the musicians caste of West Africa: Kuyateh, Suso, Jobarteh, and others. Featured on the album is Foday Musa Suso, who is well known in the West. To this, add some of the best Western names in the business, like 20th Century minimalist composer Philip Glass, Jazz saxophonist Pharoah Sanders and the production skills of Bill Laswell, and you end up with a very professional cross-over product, and certainly a very interesting mix.

Ellipsis Arts has a history of making beautiful music box sets. Like most of their products, Jali Kunda comes with a mid-format full-colour book of 96 pages, about the music, the people, the history, and the countries. Highly Recommended.